Public sector procurement 'must become greener'

Procurement and supply chain managers in the public sector will be required to seek sustainable ways of operating under new plans from the government.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a new action plan for procurement, which outlines its commitment to making government buying functions "greener".

Fulfilling a commitment made in the department's Structural Reform Plan, the document claims Defra intends to lead by example in support of wider policy goals.

It therefore reflects the coalition's bid to become the "greenest ever" government by calling for government departments to be more transparent with their supplier data.

The government will publish a breakdown of its supply chain carbon footprint for the first time, identifying areas where there is scope for sustainable products and services.

Defra also revealed plans to "engage and incentivise" the private sector to improve the sustainability of its operations.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has stressed the need to make the public sector more efficient through the centralisation of buying functions.

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